The Secret Sea

Twelve-year-old Zak Killian is hearing a voice. Could it be a guardian angel? A ghost? No, that’s crazy. But sometimes the voice is so real. . . . It warns him of danger.

One day Zak is standing on the subway platform when the tunnel starts to fill with water. He sees it before anyone else. The voice warns him to run. His friends Moira and Khalid believe this is more than a premonition, and soon all three find themselves in an alternate universe that is both familiar and seriously strange. As Zak unravels the mystery behind the voice, he faces decisions that may mean the end of their world at home―if they can even get home!

In his most propulsive and heartfelt book yet, acclaimed author Barry Lyga explores the depths of friendship, the bonds of family, and the nature of the universe itself.

“Hold onto your seats. We’ve got adventure and high-stakes horror here that takes us from our world to another. You did it, Barry. This is the novel you were meant to write.”
–R.L. Stine, author of Goosebumps and Fear Street

“Lyga returns to middle grade with a darkly compelling… look at family, morality, and the long-term effects even seemingly small choices can have. A thoughtful―and thought-provoking―piece of science fiction.”
—Booklist

“Science fiction fans of the TV show Fringe will binge read their way through this adventure.”
—VOYA

“…a thrilling standalone adventure…. Readers will love the fast-paced action and terrifying details of the alternate timeline Zak and friends find themselves in, and the satisfying conclusion will leave them considering questions of identity and family.”
—Publishers Weekly

“…the sci-fi, fantasy, and dystopian goods and will draw in middle schoolers with its impressive world-building. A strong choice for many young adult and upper–middle grade collections.”
—SLJ